Episodes (8)
Mar 03, 1974
The government of Sir John A. Macdonald announces its intentions to build a railway to the Pacific, bring British Columbia into Confederation and preserve Canadian sovereignty from sea to sea.
Mar 17, 1974
The prime minister delivers an impassioned defence in the House, but independent MP Donald Smith breaks a Commons deadlock and Sir John resigns.
Jan 01, 1974
Canada reels in the throes of a depression as Prime Minister Mackenzie vainly tries to cope with inherited Pacific Railway frustrations. Mackenzie's health wanes as surveyors squabble, contractors milk the public purse and B.C. clamours for the promised railway. If the railway is to be salvaged, Sir John A. Macdonald must rise from the political ashes.
Mar 24, 1974
Sir John A. Macdonald, now back in power, reluctantly agrees to name Donald Smith, Jim Hall and George Stephen as heads of the syndicate that will build the railway. Though capable, resourceful capitalists, they are tainted by U.S. railway connections. After an exhausting marathon debate, the House passes the government's railway bill.
Mar 31, 1974
Intrigued by the project's immense challenge, American railway giant, Cornelius Van Horne, signs on to oversee the railway's construction.
Apr 07, 1974
Construction in B.C. is painstakingly slower than on the Prairies. Suave contractor Andrew Onderdonk lures thousands of workers from China to help hack and tunnel through the Rockies. As the CPR creeps over the continental spine, trouble looms on the horizon.
Apr 14, 1974
Slow, arduous construction in the mountains and north of Superior sends costs soaring as the CPR faces financial calamity. Sir John A. Macdonald is distracted by mounting troubles in the West as farmers, Indians and Métis cry for redress. In a desperate gamble, Van Horne offers to transport 9,000 troops from the East to quell the rebellion.
Apr 21, 1974
Eastern militiamen begin the cruellest journey in Canadian military history and the national crisis is averted. The CPR faces riots, strikes and bankruptcy before an 11th-hour government loan saves the day. In November 1885, Donald Smith drives the last spike in the CPR to link Canada from sea to sea.
About
The National Dream: Building the Impossible Railway Season 1 (1974) is released on Mar 03, 1974. Watch The National Dream: Building the Impossible Railway online - the English Documentary TV series from Canada. The National Dream: Building the Impossible Railway is directed by James Murray,Eric Till and created by Pierre Berton with Pierre Berton and William Hutt.
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